Great Pyrenees?

[black and brindle]

We had one, we loved him mightily. He died at age 8, of osteosarcome (cancer). That's one of the big problems with the giants, they have relatively short lifespans (8-10 year average). He was a companion dog only - gorgeous, friendly. He did drool and shed like mad. But the main reason we wouldn't get another one in addition to the short lifespan - is that he was just like the breed books say "obedient when within arms reach of owner." They run whenever they get a chance, in order to set up a nice big safety perimeter around their "flock", they know what needs to be done better than you do and they intend to do it whether you want them to or not. They were bred as flock guardians, NOT as herders. This means they were bred to be independent thinkers ("where is that wolf/ coyote and how can I kill it") and not to be obedient to commands like herders. Ours was a wonderful dog. We all still miss him - even our vet still talks about him altho he passed on over 5 years ago. But he'll be our last Pyr.

[animal_rescue]

I got this off a dog forum I am on a lot. Also I'm adding pics of my friend's pyr, Kiah.

"About the Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, lived for a long time in Andorra before being discovered in the early 20th century. When found they were strong, assertive sheep guard dogs in the mountains. Today the Great Pyrenees is mainly used as a guard of both its family and flock. It has also been know to be used as an avalanche rescue dog, as a cart-puller, a sled dog, and as a pack dog on ski team.
The Great Pyrenees Temperment and Intelligence

The Great Pyrenees is known for its confident and gentle nature. They are patient, courageous and very intelligent dogs. Being somewhat reserved, these noble animals will go into defensive mode if territory is invaded. They will lovingly and loyally guard their flock with extreme poise and attention.
Great Pyrenees Characteristics

The Great Pyrenees has small, triangular ears that stop when they meet the small, dark amber eyes on the face. The facial fur is thin and smooth with an upper lip covers the bottom one. Each front leg has a dew claw and is punctuated with a spherical, well padded paw with arched toes. The hind legs were created with a double dew claw and have very similar paws to those in the front. Both the shoulder and thighs are made of tough muscles that help this powerful dog to move about easily.

The Pyrenees has a strikingly beautiful white coat which may or may not contain shades of gray, badger, reddish brown, or tan on the head, ears or tail. The coat is resistant in all types of weather because it is made of two layers, an elongated, flat, thick outer coat and an impenetrable, wooly undercoat. Though the coat is more plentiful around the neck, it appears to produce a mane in males. The coat does tend to layer the length of the back of the front and hind legs.
Great Pyrenees Health Concerns

The Great Pyrenees, like most giant breed dogs, is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. They may also be prone to skin conditions in hot weather.
Choosing a Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is not made for apartment living and needs open space and exercise to thrive. They can be very active as puppies and tend to wander off if not watched carefully. They are great family dogs although they do drool and slobber and some bark a lot. As a general rule, the best climate for these dogs is in the cooler climates."

My friend that owns Kiah also lives in Iowa do you want breeder information from her? She would know of some!

[LilacDragon]

I can assure you that responsible breeders are very, very glad that their breed is not so popular.

[Giselle]

I can assure you that responsible breeders are very, very glad that their breed is not so popular.

Ain't that the truth!! This is why I like rarer breeds. You've received a lot of good information so I can't add much more, but be prepared for drool (and lots of it!).

[sumbirdy]

They are very sweet dogs. Usually they will not bother animals in their "pack" if raised with them but will chase other animals (such as neighbors cats) They need a large area to run so they can get lots of excercise. They like to herd things so they do better off in the country where they are not constantly trying to herd cars. They are actually very popular where i live. I know several people who have them. They get along well with most people and are very lovable.

[Danegirl2208]

i love pyrees! Such sweet natured dogs..my firend has 2..they are just the sweetest dogs..here is one of her boys Riley (a very dirty riley i might add)

[Jessika]

VERY loyal family dogs, for sure. My fiance speaks nothing but praises of the breed because he grew up with them as a kid. I don't know anything personally, but I can certainly ask my fiance what it was like living with them. I can say though that their Pyr killed a dog that tried attacking their mom on a walk one day, so yes, they are very loyal and protective of their families.

[Laura's Babies]

My sister had one that was absolutely the sweetiest thing I ever saw. She was just a big old teddy bear of a dog that loved tons of attention. She had several cats and several small dogs with Morgan and she never bothered any of them, in fact she got along really good with them.

She had a really nice fenced in back yard but in Florida, it was just to hot to let her out for long. She lived in a small house and just didn't have room for such a large dog. She ended up giving her away to someone who lived in the country and had tons of room inside and out for such a large dog.

We also had a owner surrender when I was helping out at the shelter. They notified a out of state rescue they had one and they sent someone asap to get it. They had people to come in and see the dog and beg for it but they know not everybody understands the needs of such a large dog and wouldn't let any locals have it.